One of those days.......

[325is_Frank]

Hey guys, just went to the Maryland Emissions for testing. This is the first time since 1989 (or whenever they started it) I failed the test. I am the original owner of a 1989 325is E30. The car has been well kept and has 180,00 miles. The test type was idle/Gas Cap. My emissions readings were 596, state standards are 220. Does anyone have any ideas where to start? I am trying to compile a list of possible mechanical issues specific to the E30 that would cause such a high reading. My lifelong mechanic buddy is in bad health and I didn't want to bother him, so I thought I would ask those that have helped me before, the true lovers of the E30's. Your help would be appreciated . In fact, any help would be appreciated.

Emissions Readings HC (ppm) 596 standard 220 Failed
co% .83 standard 1.2 Passed
Dilution Check CO+CO2 6.00 state Standard 14.31 Passed

[roguetoaster]

Sorry to hear about the rough day and your buddies health.

The list of possibilities isn't too long really; bad catalytic converter (or you just didn't warm it up enough); O2 sensor fail (might code for that); vacuum leaks: poor spark (I would say that's a distributor issue with the M20) or poor mixture due to stuck injector or poor timing. I cannot come up with more at the moment, but I am sure others can.

My hope is that the cat didn't warm up enough, which is almost always the reason for a fail via high ppm. Barring a correct warm up (read thrashing on the highway) I would tackle the list in order.

Good luck fixing it, and congrats on staying committed to your car for its entire life!

[doucy2]

My first check would be the cat converter...

[gofredo50]

Register Historic. Job done. :)

[gtdragon980]

^ I'm with this guy.

[buguhrich]

I was in the exact same situation a few years ago that you're in now.

If the laws are the same as VA, it must be 25+ years to qualify for historic plates. If that's the case, find someone you know nearby that doesn't live in an emissions-regulated county (I did Norfolk, VA) and you can set the "garaged location" on the DMV website to their address to just get you through one year, until you can register as historic.

[mitchlevy7]

in md its 20 years so he can go to the mva today and do it.